Tacoma Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) refer to any damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. These injuries can be caused by trauma (such as a car accident or fall) or by non-traumatic conditions (such as disease or degeneration). The severity of SCI depends on the location and extent of the injury, with higher injuries (closer to the brain) typically resulting in more significant impairment.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, it is important to contact a Tacoma injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive maximum compensation. Call the Tacoma spinal cord injury attorneys at Brumley Law Firm at (833) 832-2727 to receive a free case consultation.
How the Spinal Cord Functions
The spinal cord is a critical part of the central nervous system, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It runs from the brainstem down the back, housed within the spinal column. Nerves that exit the spinal cord transmit signals to various body parts, allowing for movement, sensation, and autonomic functions (such as breathing and heart rate). Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, leading to partial or complete paralysis below the injury site, along with other complications like loss of bladder control and respiratory issues.
The spinal cord itself does not heal in the same way as other tissues in the body, making recovery from SCI complex and often requiring long-term rehabilitation.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are typically classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete injuries. These categories describe the extent of the damage to the spinal cord and how much motor and sensory function remains below the site of the injury.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is total and permanent loss of function (both motor and sensory) below the level of the injury. This means that the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged in a way that prevents any signals from passing through to the affected areas.
A complete SCI results in the complete loss of voluntary movement and sensation below the injury site.
Common Symptoms
In cases of complete SCI, individuals typically experience paralysis (tetraplegia or paraplegia) and loss of sensation. There is no communication between the brain and body parts below the injury site.
Examples include:
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Results from an injury to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, causing paralysis of all four limbs and often impacting respiratory function.
- Paraplegia: Occurs when the injury is below the cervical level (usually in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region), leading to loss of movement and sensation in the legs, but arm function remains intact.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when some function remains below the level of injury. With incomplete injuries, the spinal cord is only partially damaged, allowing some signals to pass through. This means that individuals may retain some degree of motor or sensory function.
An incomplete SCI allows for some movement and sensation below the injury site. The extent of the remaining function varies depending on the specific injury.
Common Symptoms
Individuals with incomplete injuries may retain partial movement or sensation. The level of function retained often depends on which part of the spinal cord is injured and how severe the injury is.
Examples include:
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of incomplete injury affects the center of the spinal cord, often resulting in greater loss of function in the arms than in the legs. Fine motor skills, particularly in the hands, may be severely affected.
- Brown-Séquard Syndrome: This is an incomplete injury that affects one side of the spinal cord more than the other. It often results in paralysis on one side of the body and loss of sensation (such as temperature or pain) on the opposite side.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: In this type of incomplete injury, the front portion of the spinal cord is damaged. Patients may lose motor function but retain some sensory functions, such as the ability to feel touch and vibration.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The majority of spinal cord injuries result from traumatic events, which are sudden, forceful incidents that damage the spine or the spinal cord itself.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, including car, motorcycle, and bicycle collisions, are the leading cause of SCI, accounting for roughly a third of all cases in the U.S. The violent impact from collisions can lead to fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, causing damage to the spinal cord.
- Whiplash injuries: Often associated with car accidents, can damage the cervical spine (neck area), leading to injuries that may affect movement and sensation in the arms, hands, and even the legs.
- High-impact crashes: Particularly those involving motorcycles, often result in severe spinal damage due to the lack of protection for the rider.
Individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident should reach out to a Tacoma accident attorney who can help guide you through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim.
Falls
Falls are the second most common cause of SCI, responsible for another third of cases, particularly among older adults. Age-related bone conditions, like osteoporosis, can make the elderly more vulnerable to spinal fractures during falls. However, falls from significant heights or accidents involving ladders, stairs, or construction sites can also cause spinal cord damage in younger individuals.
- Work-related accidents: Falls in industrial and construction settings are particularly dangerous, often leading to severe spinal cord injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents: Even seemingly minor falls can cause serious spinal damage, especially when the impact is on the back or neck.
Industrial and Occupational Accidents
Occupational hazards, particularly in physically demanding jobs such as construction, factory work, or firefighting, can lead to traumatic spinal injuries. Heavy machinery accidents, falls, or being struck by falling objects are common in these settings.
Legal Options After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury in Tacoma
If a person experiences a traumatic event, victims of SCI may be able to pursue compensation through:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: These claims are based on proving negligence, where the at-fault party failed to uphold a reasonable duty of care, directly leading to the injury. A Tacoma spinal cord injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: For injuries that occur in the workplace, an injured employee can file for workers’ compensation benefits, which may cover medical expenses and lost wages, without needing to prove fault.
To succeed in a legal claim, SCI victims typically need to prove:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to ensure the victim’s safety.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet this obligation.
- Causation: The defendant’s actions (or inaction) directly caused the spinal cord injury.
- Damages: The injury led to quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Victims of traumatic spinal cord injuries have a right to seek compensation for their damages, but the legal process can be complex. Engaging an experienced Tacoma spinal cord injury attorney is crucial for navigating these cases.
Contact a Tacoma Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
A spinal cord injury can have life-changing consequences, and it’s important to know your legal options if you or someone close to you has been affected. At Brumley Law Firm, we’re experienced in helping spinal cord injury victims in Tacoma navigate their legal rights. Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation at (833) 832-2727, or fill out our contact form. Our dedicated team of Tacoma spinal cord injury lawyers is ready to help you secure the compensation and care you deserve. Act now to protect your future!